Indian families beg for safe return of men tricked into fighting for Russia: ‘we’re worried sick’

Aazad Yousuf Kumar, 31, grew up in poverty in the village of Poshwan in Indian Kashmir, so when he and his wife welcomed a baby boy three months ago, he vowed to break the cycle and provide a brighter future for his family.

Reaching out to Baba Vlogs, a renowned employment agency based in Dubai, Aazad thought he was closer to his dream of providing his loved ones financial security when he received a job offer in the Middle Eastern city.

“The agent charged him 300,000 rupees (US$3,600) to arrange the job. But when Aazad reached Moscow, his phone and passport were taken away,” said his brother, Sajad Yousuf Kumar. “We are worried he will be sent to the front line.”

Aazad is among a group of Indians who have reportedly been tricked into fighting for Russia, after falling for promises of well-paying jobs by deceitful recruiters such as Baba Vlogs.

In one video shared on YouTube by Faisal Khan, who runs Baba Vlogs, he can be seen strolling down a street in St Petersburg, inviting viewers to join the Russian army for a monthly salary of US$3,600. Khan explains the job would include clearing demolished buildings and caring for armouries without need for combat duty.

The entrapment of the Indian workers sheds light on how vulnerable individuals are being exploited and sent into conflict zones, family members and observers say. It also highlights the need for increased awareness and protection measures for Indian citizens who may be at risk of falling prey to similar scams.

“Indian citizens are turning to the international labour market in increasing numbers due to a lack of employment opportunities in India,” said Apoorvanand, a professor at the University of Delhi and a political commentator.

In May 2019, even before the onset of the